Mediated Deliberation and Dilemmas in Consolidating Democracy in Brazil: The 2005 Referendum for Banning Firearm Sales.

This paper investigates the role of the news media in constructing mediated deliberation, focusing on the interaction between the opinions of sources and the give-and-take of arguments in the news media. Taking into account Brazil's recent democratization process, the author analyzes mediated deliberation on the national referendum for banning firearm and ammunition sales that took place in this country in 2005. The following indicators are explored: (a) participant accessibility and characterization; (b) use of arguments; (c) reciprocity and responsiveness; and (d) reflexivity and reversibility of opinions. It is argued that normative principles of deliberation add to controversy frame studies by helping understand how contending interlocutors may exchange their arguments, reflect about their opinions, and improve disputed reasons, and eventually review their position - in situations where no consensus or general agreements are expected. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]